Carlos Marmol | Relief Pitcher

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Recent News

Red Sox released RHP Carlos Marmol.

Marmol issued seven walks in four innings this spring in Grapefruit League play. The veteran right-hander is probably finished as a reliable major league pitcher. That could have been said a couple years ago, really. Mar 28 - 10:18 AM

Making his spring debut, Carlos Marmol struck out three of the four batters he faced Friday against the Blue Jays.

The other collected a single. Marmol was a little late getting started because of visa issues. He's a long shot to win a spot in Boston's bullpen. Mar 11 - 3:59 PM

Carlos Marmol will be away from Red Sox camp for the next few days as he deals with visa issues.

The 33-year-old is in camp on a minor league deal and will have to show flashes of his former dominance if he plans to earn a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. Any time away from the team could negatively impact his chances of heading north. Mar 5 - 3:49 PM

Red Sox signed RHP Carlos Marmol to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Marmol put up a 2.03 ERA with a 48/27 K/BB ratio over 31 innings last season at Triple-A with the Indians. He was last in the majors in 2014 with the Marlins and held an ugly 8.10 ERA across 15 appearances. The 33-year-old former closer is obviously a long shot to head north with the big club. Feb 16 - 4:33 PM

Depth Charts

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times mentioned Blake Swihart as a possible trade target for the Rays.

The Rays were known to be interested in Jason Castro before he signed a three-year, $24.5 million deal with Minnesota earlier this month. With Castro off the market, the Rays are likely to explore trade options at catcher. One possibility is Swihart, who could be expendable now that Sandy Leon has emerged as Boston's everyday catcher. Swihart was playing left field when he hurt his ankle last season, though the Red Sox claim he'll enter spring training as a catcher.

Updating an earlier report, the Giants have not discussed trading for Pablo Sandoval, according to MLB.com's Chris Haft.

Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald reported Friday that the Giants were considering trying to acquire Sandoval from the Red Sox but Haft said that isn't the case. The Giants are content with starting Eduardo Nunez at third base and are focused on upgrading at closer. GM Bobby Evans confirmed that Sandoval is not on the team's radar. "I’m not aware of any consideration of a reunion, but we’ll never forget all that he meant to the Giants organization," said Evans. Coming off shoulder surgery, Sandoval will presumably compete with Travis Shaw and Brock Holt for the starting job third base job in Boston this spring.

Mookie Betts underwent a successful right knee arthroscopy, chondroplasty and a loose body removal on Thursday.

Betts battled soreness in the knee throughout the second half, making his .338/.388/.547 batting line with 13 home runs and 54 RBI after the break all the more impressive. He's expected to be ready to go for the start of spring training, although it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Red Sox ease him into things.

Workman missed the entire 2016 season while rehabbing from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. He should be ready for the start of spring training in 2017, but the 28-year-old right-hander is going to have to prove himself worthy of a spot in the Boston bullpen.

Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Tuesday that Carson Smith (elbow) could be ready by June 1 next year.

Smith underwent Tommy John surgery back in May, so the Red Sox are aiming for his return at a little over 12 months. The 27-year-old reliever owns a dominant 2.00 ERA and 104/26 K/BB ratio in 81 career innings and could be quite the weapon if he comes back healthy, but regaining full strength can often take closer to 15 months.